Sheikh Haliru Maraya, an Islamic cleric based in Kaduna, has cautioned political organizations against fielding governorship and deputy governorship candidates from the same religion in the 2027 polls. He warned that such actions in religiously mixed states threaten social cohesion and inclusive governance.
Addressing reporters in Kaduna, Maraya highlighted the historical precedent set between 1999 and the previous administration, where leadership teams consistently represented different faiths. He cited the tenures of Ahmed Makarfi, Namadi Sambo, Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa, and Mukhtar Ramalan Yero as examples of balanced leadership that fostered stability, unity, and significant infrastructure growth.
The cleric, who previously held advisory roles under Governors Yakowa and Yero, criticized the single-faith ticket introduced during Nasir El-Rufai’s term as a move perceived by many as inequitable. He emphasized that religious diversity in leadership serves to increase public trust and ensures that all citizens feel represented.
Beyond Kaduna, Maraya suggested that states like Plateau should adopt similar power-sharing arrangements to build mutual trust. Referring to the teachings of Islamic scholar Ibn Taymiyyah, he noted that justice is the cornerstone of a successful state, regardless of the leader’s personal beliefs. He pointed to the current political climate in Nasarawa and Taraba states as positive models of multi-faith governance and urged all political actors to prioritize fairness over partisan interests for the sake of lasting peace.
